My good friends host a Christmas dinner that is so beautiful, I cannot help but want to share their pictures. The biggest change this year-a Christmas tree fashioned from tree branches from their own property. The Branch trees this holiday season at the shop were an inspiration-I liked hearing that.

On the unusually deep window sills, fresh fruit and vegetables.

Tall stalks from Oriental lilies that they grow in the garden kept the tall tapers company. The silver, white and green table decor is a beautiful contrast to all the color in the windows. I was happy to see that the magnolia wreath I made them last year was hung in its accustomed place.

They set a very formal and very beautiful table.

But how they incorporate natural materials and greens is not only stunning, but appropriate to their farm setting, and their love of the landscape.

I so enjoy getting this set of pictures from them every year.

The contrasts in color, texture and mood is so beautiful, yet so graceful.

I admire how they labor over every detail, and how they thoughtfully send enough pictures so I can get a feeling for the moment.

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About the Author

Deborah Silver is a landscape and garden designer whose firm, Deborah Silver and Co Inc, opened its doors in 1986. She opened Detroit Garden Works, a retail store devoted to fine and unusual garden ornament and specialty plants, in 1996. In 2004, she opened the Branch studio, a subsidiary of the landscape company which designs and manufactures garden ornament in a variety of media. Though her formal education is in English literature and biology, she worked as a fine artist in watercolor and pastel from 1972-1983. A job in a nursery, to help support herself as an artist in the early 80’s evolved into a career in landscape and garden design. Her landscape design and installation projects combine a thorough knowledge of horticulture with an artist’s eye for design. Her three companies provide a wide range of products and services to the serious gardener. She has been writing this journal style blog since April of 2009.